R.I.P. Cathy Curley, feminist pioneer

JP Rennquist Oct 13, 2010 8 Comments

“Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“If I can’t dance I don’t want to be in your revolution.” — Emma Goldman

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death last night of Cathy Curley – founder of Safe Haven, the Lake Superior Regional Justice Center, domestic violence prevention and intervention pioneer, community activist, mother, friend, mentor, lover of life.

From Cathy’s Caring Bridge Journal:

My wonderful, beautiful, courageous, strong, smart, loving, amazing mother lost her fight today. She died in the arms of Liza, Jeremy, my dad, and myself. She was not in any pain. The sadness is overwhelming for us. Liza and I are trying to find a way to cope … thank you for being by our sides for this journey. We will continue to lean on each other for support.

We will be in communication for future arrangements.

Love,
Abby

Update: Hillsider Newspaper Blog Post R.I.P. Cathy Curley

Interview/excerpt from www.powerandcontrolfilm.com by Peter Cohn (worked best for me in IE browser)

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R.I.P., Videos

8 Comments

Hillsider Newspaper editor

about 14 years ago 

I met Cathryn two years ago. She was a compassionate woman. I appreciate all she did to educate individuals and society as a whole.

I also put a post on the Hillsider Blog with links to a story about the Family Justice Center and  a Echoes of Peace Youtube of Your are Held by Holy Angels, which the choir had planned to sing to her at 7 p.m. by phone. I am in that choir. We ended up singing it to one of her twin daughters. It was very sad, but good to see how many lives she had touched and good to be with others to have condolence as we heard the news

Lojasmo

about 14 years ago 

I was lucky to be able to spend a little time with Abbi and Liz at the end of Cathy's time on this earth.  Cathy was blessed with two great daughters who loved her with fierce intensity.

Claire

about 14 years ago 

I've known Cathy since I first moved to Duluth and volunteered at the women's shelter, then was on their board for a few years. I also saw a lot her when I worked at the Building for Women. She was a wonderful woman, smart, compassionate, fun. I'm really sorry she's passed. She made a difference in the lives of so many and will be missed.

wildgoose

about 14 years ago 

I probably should have called her a "humanist" pioneer since feminism just doesn't really fit the breadth of her impact on this community.  I had known Cathy for several years when I DJ'd her 40th birthday party on the recommendation of a mutual friend of ours.  It was definitely the funnest birthday party I have done in 2o years as a DJ now.  She has such a zest for life.  I find that so amazing since she has grappled with tremendous tragedy in her work. We crossed paths many, many, times as friends and seekers of justice and wholeness after that and even worked on a few things together. Ten years later it hardly seemed time for a 50th but it was, she called me in again and I got out of the hospital from an operation (and later that same week the birth of my son) and set up my gear for her. I was pretty beat up so I pointed them in the right direction but unfortunately someone else had to run the music for us.  I'm told it was yet another celebration for the ages.  What an amazing woman. 

Sam Cook alluded to her in his column in the Duluth News Tribune today, it's worth a read.  

Sam Cook: Death refocuses our lives

Lojasmo

about 14 years ago 

I neglected to mention this.  I knew Steve and Cathy as a child.  I remember them very fondly.  Cathy made good things happen in Minnesota.  She will be missed by many.

Sparrow Daenitz

about 14 years ago 

Dear Family of Cathryn:

I have been away for so long -- I did not know Cathy was ill.  My sadness is deep for her daughters.  I have wonderful memories working, and playing with Cathy.  She was a unique angel on earth.

Patricia

about 14 years ago 

Thanks to women like Cathy. She has provided women like me a place to come to heal ... to walk through the doors as victims ... but walk out survivors. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!

Kitty Kavanaugh

about 14 years ago 

I was pregnant at the same time as Cathy was -- in fact our due dates were the same!  but of course, the twins came along before our Adam.

What a force Cathy was!  I probably haven't seen Cathy for 25 years but I still can hear her infectious giggle!  I also remember her tough spirit and kindness.

Liza and Abby - I remember how intense it was for your Dad and Mom after you were born and how much I admired your Mom's cool determination.  Give your Dad a big hug from me.  My condolences are with all of you.

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